5 Reasons Why Miami Heat Should Pursue Carmelo Anthony in Free Agency

5 Reasons Why Miami Heat Should Sign Carmelo Anthony

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Carmelo Anthony's name has been linked to the Miami Heat for several weeks now, with a number of rumors suggesting that the New York Knicks star would genuinely consider opting out of his current contract and joining the Heat over his other suitors (the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks). Here are 5 reasons why the Heat should seriously pursue Anthony in free agency.

5. Anthony's Offensive Versatility

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5. Anthony's Offensive Versatility

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Miami's offense, which was very good during the regular season and through most of the playoffs, sputtered badly against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. The Heat's roster is limited; the brilliance of LeBron James alone isn't enough to carry a steeply declining Dwyane Wade and somewhat passive Chris Bosh to another championship. Carmelo Anthony's offensive versatility would turn Miami's minor scoring limitations into a major strength.

4. Anthony Wants to Come to Miami

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4. Anthony Wants to Come to Miami

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The news that Anthony would be interested in supplementing the Big Three in Miami didn't magically come out on its own. There is real interest here, and where there's a will there's a way. Based on what Anthony has said all year long, it seems reasonable to suspect that he values winning slightly above raw dollars at this point. A James and Anthony combination in a state with no individual income tax is a very enticing proposition.

3. The Heat Need Some New Blood

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3. The Heat Need Some New Blood

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Miami looked fatigued against the Spurs in what was ultimately one of the most lopsided NBA Finals ever. The Heat need some fresh bodies in the lineup and not just guys who will sit on the end of the bench and be cheerleaders. This team could very much use a new big-time contributor. Anthony fits that bill and would also take quite a bit of the offensive load off of the overworked James.

2. Signing Anthony Almost Guarantees That LeBron Stays

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2. Signing Anthony Almost Guarantees That LeBron Stays

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If Anthony chooses Miami, it seems likely that James would be all but guaranteed to stay in South Beach. The two are good friends off the court and have voiced their desire to play together in the past. LeBron will never be left wanting for money; the payout on his endorsement deals is simply silly and typically exceeds his yearly salary. A small pay cut for James would be a requirement in signing Anthony, and that is more than plausible.

1. Signing Anthony Makes Miami the 2015 Favorite

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1. Signing Anthony Makes Miami the 2015 Favorite

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If the Spurs bring back the same roster as last season and Miami doesn't make any moves, San Antonio would be the prohibitive favorites to take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy again in 2015. If the Heat can nab Anthony, however, it would be tough to pick against Miami. Wade's slashing, Bosh's jump shooting and floor spacing and James' all-around excellence combined with Anthony would be essentially impossible to beat.

Sean Sarcu is a Chicago Blackhawks writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter or add him to your network on Google.